Anthelmintics are often used to treat people who have worms in their intestines, but they can also be used to treat animals. Some types of dogs, such as collies and Shelties, are prone to worm infestations and need regular worming treatments to prevent health problems. In other cases, anthelmintics may be prescribed to treat a dog with a specific type of worm infection.
Dogs can become infested with worms through contaminated food or water, or by eating infected prey animals such as rodents or rabbits. Depending on the type of worm involved, symptoms may include diarrhea; vomiting; weight loss; coughing; lack of appetite; lethargy; and skin lesions around the anus, urethra, or vulva area.